Barkley, Ramsey and Suarez: Best Premier League Team of the Season So Far

Anything but the dithering individual who began life at Arsenal, the Pole is the definition of consistency for the leaders. The highlight came as he brilliantly kept out Cardiff's Frazier Campbell in November.

Branislav Ivanovic – Chelsea

It says much about the performances of Ivanovic that only captain John Terry has made more league starts as an outfield player in Jose Mourinho's much-change line-up. The Serbian has solved the Blues' right-back problems.

Per Mertesacker – Arsenal

After being clueless upon his arrival in the Premier League; now Mertesacker is the most consistent defender in the top flight. Possesses superb positioning and is now a trusted leader at Arsenal, having been given the armband on several occasions.

Curtis Davies – Hull City

Arguably the signing of the summer transfer window. Plucked from obscurity at Birmingham City and is now the rock at the heart of a Hull defence which has defined their terrific start. Roy Hodgson could do worse than make a space in his England squad.

Luke Shaw – Southampton

After an impressive break-through season for Southampton Shaw has firmly established himself as the future at left-back for England. A shrewd operator at the back and improving in every game going forward.

Ross Barkley – Everton

Labelled as the most exciting talent in English football for over a decade and rightly so. Barkley has all the attributes to be the future England captain with drive, strength, speed, vision and shooting ability all in abundance.

Aaron Ramsey – Arsenal

The best player in the Premier league this season and the most improved in an Arsenal shirt amid the revolution at the Emirates. Eight goals have come in the first half of the campaign for the reborn Wales midfielder.

Yaya Toure – Manchester City

No longer undermined by Roberto Mancini's shackles; Yaya Toure is carrying Manchester City kicking and screaming to the forefront of the title race. A remarkable ten goals, including four from free-kicks, have come with unrelenting quality.

Adam Lallana – Southampton

Questions over whether Lallana's lack of pace have been firmly quashed with a series of devilish displays which have accompanied every Southampton game. Scored arguably the goal of the season against Hull City.

Luis Suarez – Liverpool

At one point this season has had a goal-to-game ratio to rival Dixie Dean. Such has been the stunning nature of Suarez's form that the debate over the world's best player has included Liverpool's leading striker who has gone from hero to zero at Anfield.

Romelu Lukaku – Everton

Making Jose Mourinho firmly regret the decision to part ways with the Belgian in the summer; Lukaku has netted nine league goals this term, more than any Chelsea striker. His strength and pace have made him almost unplayable this term.